I can't figure out how to hold the camera grip, keep a hand on the lens for focusing, and a hand on the shutter to trip it? Do I need an extra hand? The only thing I can think of is putting a cable on the shutter and mounting it onto the grip itself. Any better ideas?

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), February 06, 2000

Answers

You could try getting the focusing ring which clamps to the lens and effectivel puts an extension on the lens so you can reach it with the end of your fingers while still holding on to the wooden grip. I didn't find it worked that well for me (and I don't have really short fingers) because the extension arm would usually be rotated out of reach anyway. So now I just usually find myself cradling the camera in my left hand and focusing whilst using the right hand to add support and fire the shutter. I don't shoot without a tripod much anyway, but I agree, sometimes an extra hand might help.

-- Cowan Stark (cowan@nh.ultranet.com), February 06, 2000.

Well there's the caveat for the ring: I have short fingers, and I'm glad you mentioned that becuase I was considering the ring as an option.

I think part 2 of this question should be: I need all the support I can get. I'm very thin and not very strong. I shot an actress friend of mine two nights ago, only 6 rolls of 120. By the end I was exhausted, I think because my grip on the camera is not firm and I have to fight it as a result--she actually asked me if I was tired because if I must spend more than a few moments focusing, which I usually do, my arm starts to SHAKE!. It's kind of embarassing.

I don't (and probably won't ever largely) use a tripod (though I am getting one for some 'must have' shots). The grip thing is a real issue for me because I'm hoping it will give me the support I really need.

shawn

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), February 07, 2000.

The only real answer to your question is a lot of curls and shoulder presses. A 67 with a portrait lens mounted is just a big chunk to hold above shoulder height for long periods. Years of lifting weights makes is a little easier for me, but I start to worry about fatigue-induced shutter shake after six or seven shots in a row. I've seen a grip strap that wraps around the back of the hand; something like that might help support your right wrist when it's grabbing the integral grip.

I don't know how you can shoot any camera off the tripod when using your right hand to focus. You pretty much have to use your left on the focus ring if you want to be able to trip the shutter while adjusting focus. Actually, I find the 67II more comfortable than a 35mm body because the housing extension makes for a nice platform for balancing the body on the heel of my left palm while still keeping my fingers on the focus ring.

You might want to try a waist-level finder since it's easier to hold a heavy MF system low than up at eye level. OTOH, I don't know if you'll ever be happy with your results if you don't use a tripod for some compositions. With a top flash sync of 1/30th the 67II won't let you use high-speed flash to conquer shutter shake. I gather that some pro 67 shooters just use a ton of hot lights to work handheld with high shutter speeds, but that's really expensive.

-- Bill Baker (wab@well.com), February 08, 2000.